One of the largest earthquakes ever recorded in Turkey has killed more than 11,000 people and injured thousands more, including residents in neighboring Syria. Learn about the deadly earthquake and how you can help survivors.
1. The earthquake was the strongest to hit Turkey in decades.
From its epicenter in Gaziantep, in south central Turkey, the 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook residents in Turkey and neighboring northwestern Syria early Monday morning. People fled outside into the bitter cold, and within 20 minutes of the initial quake, two aftershocks of 6.7 and 5.6 magnitude occurred 20 miles from the epicenter. Nine hours later, a second 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Turkey, almost 60 miles north of the first earthquake. More than 300 aftershocks in southeast Turkey and northern Syria have been recorded since Monday, including a magnitude 5.7 temblor on Tuesday.
2. The death toll is rising in Turkey and Syria.
More than 11,000 people have been killed in both countries. Turkish authorities have reported that at least 8,750 people have been killed as search and rescue teams continue to work across the country. More than 40,000 people have been injured. In rebel-held northwest Syria, the Syrian Civil Defense (known as the White Helmets) reports the death toll has reached 2,400, with more thousands more injured and still stuck under rubble. In regions of Syria held by President Bashar al-Assad’s government, 812 people were killed and more than 1,449 were injured, according to state media.
3. Homes, businesses, and infrastructure have been destroyed.
Turkey lies in one of the world’s most active earthquake zones, and recent quakes in the region have caused deadly landslides. More than 4,700 buildings have collapsed across Turkey. In Syria, more than a decade of war has brought airstrikes and bombardments that left much of the infrastructure unable to withstand the earthquakes or aftershocks.
4. This disaster could worsen an already dire humanitarian crisis.
In a region plagued by years of war, a refugee crisis, and deep economic troubles, there are serious concerns about the capabilities to respond to the devastating earthquake. Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees, and nearly 3 million internally displaced Syrians live in opposition-held areas. Many of these refugees live in camps on both sides of the Syria-Turkey border.
The civil war in Syria has devastated the country’s economy. Syria’s gross domestic product shrank by more than half over a decade. And due to runaway inflation, Turkey’s currency is collapsing. Recovery from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake will likely cause more economic strain in the region, as the United States Geological Survey estimated the damage could top $1 billion.
Even before the latest earthquakes, the International Rescue Committee raised concerns about the impact of freezing temperatures on people living in makeshift shelters, tents, and damaged buildings without adequate heating.
Help earthquake survivors with a donation to Business d’Or Turkey and Syria Earthquake Relief Fund.
5. Business d’Or partners are already helping earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria access food, shelter, and other emergency services.
Response efforts are underway. However, with difficult weather conditions, including low temperatures and frequent rain, and the ongoing conflict in northern Syria, the response will be challenging.
Business d’Or Disaster Response Team is working with local responding partners, including Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants, Caritas Austria, International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation, and NuDay to meet the immediate needs of earthquake survivors. Once those needs are met, donations to Business d’Or’s Turkey and Syria Earthquake Relief Fund will power the efforts of local nonprofits that can respond to overlooked community needs and lead long-term recovery.
6. Cash is the best way to help people in need during a natural disaster like the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria.
Why? Survivors’ needs vary greatly throughout the life cycle of recovery. Some will require financial support, medical care, and psychological assistance years down the road. You can learn more about the importance of cash donations in this infographic.
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